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DESCRIPTION
The goal of contraception (or birth control) is to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. The majority of methods of contraception enable sexually active couples to temporarily avoid pregnancy. Permanent birth control is accomplished through sterilization. Be sure you know and understand the different types of birth control available to you, the risks and benefits of each, and any side effects, so that you can make an informed choice.
MoonDragon's Contraception Methods Compared
Lea's Shield is a "one size fits most" cup-shaped vaginal barrier contraceptive made of silicone rubber. It works primarily by covering the cervix and, thus, blocking sperm access. Its unique design includes a valve and a loop. The valve helps with insertion by venting the air trapped between the cervix and the device, thus creating a good fit; the loop helps with removal of the device. When used with spermicide, it is about 85% effective in preventing pregnancy, which is comparable to other barrier contraceptive methods such as the cervical cap and diaphragm. The U.S. approval was made on a prescription basis. However, since the device does not require fitting by a doctor, in principle, it should be available over the counter. Both cost and marketing plans for the US are unclear for now. Research is ongoing to determine the effectiveness of female barrier methods in preventing cervical infections and HIV/AIDS.
Any woman who is interested in controlling pregnancy can use Lea's Shield. You may choose Lea's Shield if you:
- Can not use hormonal birth control methods.
- Are breastfeeding.
- Want a backup method if you have forgotten to take your birth control pill.
- Find diaphragms or cervical caps uncomfortable.
Failure Rate:
When compared to hormonal methods of birth control, Lea's Shield has a high failure rate. Lea's Shield is generally as effective as other barrier birth control options. When used correctly and consistently, the shield has a failure rate of about 12-15 percent per year (12 to 15 women out of 100 will get pregnant during the year using the Lea's shield without spermicide. When used with spermicide the failure rate drops to about 8 percent (8 out of 100) per year.
The use of spermicide can make oral sex unpleasant for some partners. Additionally, continued use of spermicide can disrupt the vaginal lining, increasing your chances for contracting an STD. It doesn't Protect Against STDs: Though Lea's Shield may reduce your risk of developing some STDs, like gonorrhea and chlamydia, the device does not offer any protection against herpes, HPV, or HIV. Condoms should always be used with Lea's Shield. Lea's Shield has been shown to increase the chances of toxic shock syndrome, bladder infections, and vaginal infections.
The manufacturer hopes to get the product on the US market by the end of 2002.
CERVICAL CAP VS LEA'S SHIELD:
The cervical cap is held in place by the cervix, thus, sizing the cervix is very critical in fitting a cervical cap. Incorrect sizing of the cervix can lead to dislodgement of the cap during sex. The Lea's Shield is not held in place by the cervix, but rather by the vagina's wall, therefore cervix size does not play a role.
DIAPHRAGM VS LEA'S SHIELD
The diaphragm is anchored in place by the pubic bone and the posterior fornix. Since this distance varies from woman to woman, the diaphragm must be fitted and sized in order to avoid dislodgement during sex. The Lea's Shield works by volume and is held by the vagina's muscles. It does not depend on the vagina's length.
ADVANTAGES
Made of latex-free material. Lea's Shield has longevity and is reusable and usually lasts up to six months.
Ones size fits all. Lea's Shield does not have to be fitted by your health care provider. The shield is designed to fit any woman.
Does not require reapplication of spermicide with each act of intercourse.
Can be inserted any time before intercourse.
Can be left in place for 48 hours.
Doesn't affect your period, Unlike hormonal methods of birth control, Lea's Shield does not affect your menstrual cycle.
Inexpensive. Lea's Shield is among the most inexpensive forms of birth control, costing about $65 per shield.
Unlike other forms of birth control, Lea's Shield is associated with very few birth control side effects.
DISADVANTAGES
Requires a prescription.
Must be inserted and removed by an inexperienced used, such as an adolescent.
Discomfort for one or both partners may occur.
Should remain in place for 8 hours after last intercourse.
May increase risk of urinary tract infections and toxic shock syndrome.
Disagreeable to some couples to use spermicidal jellies and creams during oral sex.
May become dislodged during intercourse. It can be difficult to insert properly and can slip out of place.
May contribute to urinary tract infections and can cause other side effects. May increase the risk for allergic reaction to latex or rubber, vaginal infection or inflammation of the cervix. Women who frequently use spermicides may experience disruption in the vaginal skin, increasing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and diseases (STDs) and abnormal pap results.
There is a risk of toxic shock syndrome (TTS), a rare but serious infection, if the cap is kept in place longer than recommended.
The cap must be left in for at least 6 to 8 hours after intercourse, but no longer than 48 hours.
Must be fitted by a health care provider. A new fitting may be necessary after pregnancy, miscarriage, abortion or weight gain of over 15 pounds.
Requires touching of their genitals. Some women have psychological issues with touching their own genitals.
WHERE TO OBTAIN A LEA'S SHIELD
You can obtain a Lea's Shield from LadyToBaby.com. See www.leasshield.com for more information.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Lea's shield acts as a barrier to sperm. The shield completely covers your entire cervix and part of your upper vagina, preventing any sperm from entering your uterus and fertilizing an egg. Unlike the cervical cap and diaphragm, Lea's Shield is held in place by your vaginal walls. Made with an airflow valve, the shield allows air that is trapped between your cervix and the device to escape. This creates a seal between the shield and your vagina, ensuring that the device stays in place during intercourse.
Lea's Shield is a type of contraception designed for use with spermicide. Spermicide should be placed around the ring of the shield before insertion. This helps to kill any sperm that may be present in the shield. When used without spermicide, Lea's Shield is much less effective.
Lea's Shield is inserted much like a tampon. You simply squeeze the shield and push it into your vagina, as far as it will comfortably go. When inserted properly, you should not be able to feel the shield inside of your vagina. The shield has a flexible ring, which can be used to help with removal.
You can insert Lea's Shield anytime prior to intercourse: just place spermicide around the ring of the shield and push it into place. Lea's Shield should remain in place for at least eight hours after intercourse. However, you can leave the shield in place for up to 40 hours after insertion. If the shield is left in place for more than eight hours, though, make sure to place additional spermicide in your vagina when having intercourse.
After you have removed Lea's Shield, take the time to wash and dry the device properly. The shield can be washed in warm, soapy water and left to air dry on a clean towel. Any water-based cleanser can be used with the shield. After it has dried, be sure to place the shield inside its protective case so that it doesn't become dirty or damaged.
Insertion/Removal: During the pilot study, women received no clinician instruction on how to insert and remove the device. Clinicians provided patients with the Instructions for Use leaflet only because the device was initially meant to be available without a prescription. Researchers wanted to evaluate how easily and correctly women could insert and remove the device with only printed instructions. A woman was judged to have "easily" or "fairly easily" inserted or removed the device if she was able to perform the procedure within approximately 2 to 5 minutes with the aid of the written material only.
Investigator evaluations and patient perceptions differed substantially. For example, according to the investigators, 70% of women inserted the device "easily" or "fairly easily", while 90% removed the device with ease.
The FDA believes that making the device available only by prescription may help improve acceptability and effective use. Several UK women did indicate a desire for formal teaching about insertion/removal. Additional counseling concerning the potential for feeling the device may also help women discuss this aspect of use with their partners.
FOLLOW-UP CARE
Remember to wash the shield thoroughly between uses, using mild soap and water. Once dry, the shield should be properly stored in its pouch. It should be replaced if it shows any signs of wear.
Note: Follow the special written instructions that come with the Lea's Shield if they differ from those discussed in this instruction page.
MEDICATION
No restrictions. However, spermicidal gel or creams must be used with the cap for proper protection.
COMPLICATIONS & SIDE EFFECTS
No specific complications or side effects have been noted with the Lea's Shield at this time.
Complications and Warning Signs:
Like the diaphragm, the cap has one serious problem that can result from use: Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). This is very rare. However, be sure not to use the cap during menstrual bleeding and always take it out within 48 hours. It is important that all cervical cap users know the warning signs for TSS.TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME WARNING SIGNS:
- Sudden high fever
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Dizziness, faintness and weakness
- Sore throat, aching muscles and joints
- Rash, which looks like a sunburn
If you notice any of these warning signs, remove the diaphragm and consult your health care provider immediately.
Precautions:
Health care providers consider a few precautions when deciding if a woman can safely use the the Lea's Shield. Some women or men may have an allergy to the spermicide. The Lea's shield is made to fit most women, however there may be some women that may not be able to use it or find it too uncomfortable to use or can't insert it. Also, this method may not be recommended if a woman has a health problem such as a vaginal infection or an abnormal Pap smear. Women with a history of Toxic Shock Syndrome may be advised to use a different method.
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You are interested in using a Lea's Shield for contraception.
You find defects in the Lea's Shield you are using and need a replacement. A replacement is available online.
You have any adverse reactions to the use of this produce or to the spermicide, signs of infection, or other problems or questions.
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